643 waiting over one year for physio appointments in the West – Rabbitte

Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East Anne Rabbitte has described the waiting list times for physiotherapy assessments as shocking and a complete neglection of the west.

Figures provided to Deputy Rabbitte reveal that there are 8, 527 people on waiting lists across Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo-Leitrim, Donegal and Cavan-Monaghan as of December 2018.

Deputy Rabbitte commented, “These figures show that 2, 412 people are waiting in total for an assessment for physiotherapy in Galway, with 53 people waiting greater than one year. Across the western region there are 643 waiting more than a year for an assessment.

“It is very concerning that the total waiting list in Galway is the second highest in the country.

“We all know the importance of frequent physiotherapy treatment. Without this intervention people can be left with lifelong difficulties or pain. Yet there is a situation in which thousand are waiting for an assessment to chart a road map to a full recovery.

“The government must outline how they plan to reduce these waiting lists across the western region,” concluded Deputy Rabbitte.